News You Can Use - July 2015

For Your Church & Community Newsletter

From Lutheran Community Services                        

Editors: This information is prepared for church newsletter editors, secretaries and pastors. Your help in getting the word out is appreciated and will help LCS achieve its mission of “Sharing God’s blessings by helping others in need.” Comments about timing or content are welcome. Contact Steve Tindall (stindall@lcsde.org). 302 654 8886.

LCS Building Dedicated!

Executive Director Jean Warren Cuts Ribbon at Dedication

On Thursday June 4, LCS dedicated its new building at 2809 Baynard Boulevard in Wilmington at a wonderful ceremony attended by over 100 guests who toured the building and gave it rave reviews. LCS Board President Tim Dambaugh hosted the event that included State Representative Charles Potter who welcomed us to the First District, and the Rev. Wolfgang D. Herz-Lane, Bishop of the Delaware Maryland Synod of the ELCA, who presided over the Blessing of the Building. All the donors who have helped fund the project to date were warmly thanked. The final component was an old-fashioned ribbon cutting by a group headed by Executive Director Jean Warren that included a big red ribbon and a huge pair of shears to officially open the building and dedicate it to service to the community.

Guests in attendance in what will soon be LCS's new pantry

Guests gather in the new Volunteer Center for tours

Financial Literacy Training Success

When Mrs. Eduwyna’s husband was not working over the winter, her family of six fell behind on some of their bills.  Wanting to provide for the family, she approached LCS. In order to qualify for a grant from LCS to pay their rent, she attended financial training through Clarifi.  The first thing she did is open a savings account and set a goal of $20 per month. “It doesn’t matter how much you earn; it matters how much you save,” she told our case worker. Mrs. Eduwyna attended additional training through her children’s school and at the public library, and now the family has begun working on their credit repair and hope to be able to buy a house in the next five years.  “What I never knew about finances, I have learned in the last five months,” she said.

Delaware State Tax Credit

LCS Donors of $2500 or more to LCS may be eligible for a 50% credit on their state income taxes. For example, a gift of $2500 (the minimum) will earn a tax credit of $1250 for the donor. This is available for both Capital and Operating donations. 2015 applications can be made starting July 1, 2015. Contact Steve Tindall for more information at 302 654 8886 x105 or stindall@lcsde.org. 

News You Can Use

For Your Church Newsletter    - by Steve Tindall

From Lutheran Community Services            April 2015

Editors: This information is prepared for church newsletter editors, secretaries and pastors. Your help in getting the word out is appreciated and will help LCS achieve its mission of “Sharing God’s blessings by helping others in need.” Comments about timing or content are welcome. Contact Steve Tindall (stindall@lcsde.org). 302 654 8886.

Building Almost Complete

Progress has been steady on the renovation of the new LCS headquarters building on Baynard Boulevard in Wilmington.  According to contractors, it should be completed April 1

Homelessness Prevented

Linda had been homeless for quite some time.  She stayed at relatives’ houses, on friends’ couches, in motels, in short- and long-term shelters.  Not having a mailing address and a working phone made it difficult for people to reach her, so she often used the phone at Lutheran Community Services to talk to 211 – the information helpline – for screening and the next temporary housing placement.  Linda is 63. Her husband, a veteran, passed away. Linda receives his VA pension so is able to pay a subsidized rent in an ongoing manner …if she were able to work out the logistics involved in finding a place to move in to and communicating with them.  With LCS’s help, Linda was able to meet these challenges. LCS was able to provide her with the security deposit she needed for Sacred Heart Village, a low income apartment community, where she lives today in her own place.

Capital Campaign Donors May Be Eligible for Tax Credit

Larger donations to the LCS Capital Campaign may be eligible for Delaware’s Neighborhood Assistance Act Program. Under the program, individual and business donors with an income tax liability in Delaware (and who reside in Delaware) can get a 50% tax credit for campaign donations made during calendar year 2015. Application should be made as soon as possible on or after July 1, 2015. This is not a deduction but a direct credit taken off the bottom line of your tax bill to Delaware. The NAA tax credit equals 50% of the qualified contribution up to a maximum eligible contribution of $100,000 annually per taxpayer, resulting in a maximum annual tax credit of $50,000 per taxpayer. The minimum contribution by an individual or family is $2,500 for a tax credit of $1,250. The minimum contribution by a business is $10,000 for a tax credit of $5,000. Contact Steve Tindall (302 654 8886 x105 or stindall@lcsde.org) for assistance.